Pros and Cons of Different Job Search Methods
Method
Cons
On Campus Recruiting program
Easy and convenient because employers come to campus looking for interns and full time employees. Interview in ACP, 2nd Park.
Not every industry or employer uses On Campus Recruiting to hire employees. It begins early and is associated with specific deadlines.
CareerLink
Employers list positions specifically for Meredith College students and alumnae. Posted positions typically mean an employer needs it filled soon so log on often for new postings everyday.
Not every industry, job field, or employer is represented.
Job Listings Online (ex: Monster, Careerbuilder, indeed.com, etc)
Some organizations still use this method to post job openings, particularaly small companies.
Not every industry or type of job is represented. Legitimacy of position/ employer is often a concern. Patience is required to navigate the Internet. Oftentimes entry level positions are not posted by this method.
Job Listings in Print
You’ll find some positions that aren’t posted online.
Not as convenient as viewing them online. You have to view them where available: Academic & Career Planning, newspaper, etc.
Career Fairs
Speak with many employers at one time and in one place. A variety of career fields and industries represented. Oftentimes employers consider a variety of majors.
First impressions are important. Must be willing to approach employers. You may not be looking specifically at the positions advertised at the fair, but more so at the organization and/or industry. You’re oftentimes exploring the type of industries that are hiring, not necessarily a specific position.
Networking – making contacts
Number one way Meredith College students and job seekers nationwide find positions. Many job openings are never advertised; networking is how they are found.
Takes time, effort, energy, and motivation. Requires confidence to approach and speak with professionals.
Posting Your Resume Online
It doesn’t hurt to get your resume out where it can possibly be seen by employers.
Passive job search method where you wait to be contacted. If your qualifications are in demand you may be contacted more than you want. If not, you’ll have to choose other, more active strategies.
e-Leads
Job and internship leads and contact information in career categories in a variety of geographical locations.
Not job listings, but a source to find potential employers. You must follow up to discover if they have current openings.
Hoover’s
A searchable database that provides information about companies and industries that may interest you.
Not job listings but a way to uncover organizations nationwide that you might be interested in targeting. Once you have a listing of employers, you must then investigate them and contact those that interest you.
Social networking for professionals. Contacts to obtain job leads. Recruiters use LinkedIn to identify potential candidates.
Students may have a limited network of professionals.
LinkedIn (linkedin.com)
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Pros